Chrysler to Recall More Than 1.6 Million Vehicles
Chrysler Corp. said it is preparing to recall more than 1.6 million cars and trucks this summer to fix several safety-related problems, including faulty air bag controls and minivan lift-gate supports.
The recalls represent the largest such action so far this year by an auto maker. They come as Chrysler is trying to improve its reputation for quality.
The largest recall involves about 850,000 Dodge Ram pickup trucks from model years 1994-97, and 1995-97 Dodge Ram Vans and Ram Wagons in the United States, company spokesman Mike McKesson said Monday.
The trucks and vans are being recalled because heated transmission fluid can melt connections on the fluid lines, causing fluid to spray on the exhaust manifold and catch fire. Dealers will install new connections that include stainless steel retainers, Chrysler said.
Chrysler has received reports of 50 fires believed to have been caused by the defect. No injuries were reported, McKesson said.
The air bag problem affects 142,700 cars and trucks made early in the 1997 model year. The models are the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Dodge Dakota pickup, Dodge and Plymouth Neon subcompact and Dodge Viper sports car.
Dealers will replace the air bag’s electronic control unit, which may cause the bag to inflate when the ignition is turned off and the vehicle is standing still.
The auto maker has received seven reports of unintentional deployment, which resulted in two minor injuries. McKesson said the air bags still function normally in a crash.
Chrysler also plans to recall 436,000 1992 Dodge Caravans and Grand Caravans and Plymouth Voyager and Grand Voyager minivans in the United States because the bolts that attach the lift-gate supports can break from fatigue.
Chrysler said owners of the affected vehicles should contact their dealer after they are notified by mail later this summer. However, minivan owners whose lift gates have already failed can take their vehicles to their dealer for immediate repair, McKesson said.
